Overview & Reviews
Introduced for 2002 and produced through 2009, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer was one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America. Qualities like a smooth ride, a roomy cabin, plentiful features and an inexpensive price made it a hit with consumers early in the model cycle. But fleet operators picked up much of the slack in the later years as consumers went with more refined crossover rivals. Based on our testing experience, the TrailBlazer left much to be desired as a midsize SUV.
Although modern luxury features such as navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment were available, this SUV's handling dynamics were more state-of-the-past than state-of-the-art. The standard Chevy TrailBlazer's unresponsive suspension and imprecise steering wouldn't inspire confidence on back road detours or during quick transitions on the expressway. In past years, traditional body-on-frame SUVs like the TrailBlazer weren't expected to handle well in these situations. But times changed and virtually all of the Chevy's rivals offered superior road manners. Another major drawback was the TrailBlazer's cabin design. It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.
From a performance standpoint, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS was an interesting choice, as it addressed the SUV's handling woes via substantial tuning to the chassis and steering. The SS also provided rip-roaring performance, courtesy of a 6.0-liter V8. But in the grand scheme of things, the SS was a niche vehicle. For a workaday midsize SUV, other truck-based competitors would serve you better than the standard Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
Most Recent Chevrolet TrailBlazer
As a unique model, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuted for 2002, though the name "TrailBlazer" was actually in use previously as an upscale trim level for the regular four-door Blazer SUV. After the TrailBlazer's debut, Chevy slowly phased out the Blazer and let the TrailBlazer become its main truck-based midsize SUV. There was also an extended-wheelbase version called the TrailBlazer EXT that offered seven-passenger seating and class-leading cargo room. At the time, the 4.2-liter inline-6 made 270 horsepower.
There were other changes over the years. The big news for 2003 was a special North Face Edition trim package and the availability of a 290-hp 5.3-liter V8 in the extended TrailBlazer EXT, while the next couple of years saw a host of evolutionary improvements like increased availability of the V8, power-adjustable pedals, restyled seating, side curtain airbags, DVD-based navigation, CD/MP3 audio and satellite radio.
The hotter, performance-oriented Chevy TrailBlazer SS packing a 391-hp 6.0-liter V8 debuted in 2006. This was also the year that the 5.3-liter V8 became available for non-EXT models and the inline-6 engine's output rose to 291 hp. The TrailBlazer EXT was dropped for '07. The 5.3-liter V8 was likewise history for 2009 and the TrailBlazer itself was gone for 2010.
Throughout most of the TrailBlazer's model run, there were three main trim levels: base LS, luxury-themed LT and high-performance SS. The LS came decently equipped, while the LT provided access to some higher-level features such as leather seating. Chevrolet offered two different packages for the SS model. The basic TrailBlazer SS (1SS) was equipped similarly to the LS but featured a powerful V8, a sport-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior with black mesh grille. The uplevel version of the TrailBlazer SS (3SS) added all the LT's amenities. Apart from a white-faced tachometer and "SS" monograms on the seats, there was nothing special about the SS interior.
Although a four-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, there was a choice of two- or four-wheel drive (4WD) except in the SS, which could have either two- or all-wheel drive.
Behind the wheel, we found that the Chevrolet TrailBlazer's suspension was a mixed bag -- its soft tuning resulted in a soft, comfortable ride around town and on the highway. But push it hard into a corner or hit the rough stuff too fast and the TrailBlazer's overly compliant setup would get out of sorts quickly. Most buyers would likely find the inline-6 engine adequate, though it's definitely lacking in low-end torque compared to some rivals' V6 offerings. Our test of the TrailBlazer SS revealed an altogether different beast that felt more like a muscle car than an SUV. It ripped to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds or about as quick as a Dodge Charger R/T. Better yet, the SS model's modified chassis was capable of handling all that power. When pushed through twists and turns, the SS's body motions were well controlled and its steering feel was excellent.
User Reviews:
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03 Trailblazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By R. Spreter - August 20 - 2:00 amThis SUV is very quiet and smooth, feels more like a luxury vehicle. I chose it over a Ford Explorer because the smooth ride was superior to the hard ride of the Explorer. The engine is very smooth and powerful. It is performing flawlessly so far.
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Wow - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Kimberly Heck - August 16 - 9:41 pmI love this vehicle. I have problems with low back pain and seats are a great fit for me. This car drives like a dream with tight ride, a little softer than a Mercedes. I managed to get this car with the 5.3 engine and I am very impressed with the performance and I have no problems merging into busy Dallas traffic. The turning radius is amazing and can easily manage any U-turn or parking lot space. I know the the fuel economy could be better but I cant complain because I knew that when I bought the vehicle.
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American made by children - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By unchevy - August 9 - 8:51 amPurchased "pre-owned", turns out it was a rental. had 14k on it at purchase. Just hit the 40k mark (and 3 year for it on the market) and the battery dropped dead the other morning. I have had 7 flat tires in 2 years (have not had a flat since my last Chevy back in 1998!) The fuel gauge/lever has already been replaced, noise from windows at high speeds like everyone else has said is annoying. gas mileage is OK, I dont let it go past 1/2 since it is so expensive so I am getting around 200 miles on a good week. Antenna comes loose every few months. Replaced front Goodyears with Yokahamas and they are so much better. I just dont like American cars. there was a reason I had Toyotas for years.
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I would buy another one carefully - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By D & P Myers - August 8 - 5:26 pmWe bought the SUV used with only 20k, but like it only had 2 miles on it!! Have been very happy with the power and comfort, the look is strong, masculine, but dont rub against anything or you will get bupper damage and maybe even more. The exterior look is great but lends to road scrathes on doors and poor bupper strength. The rear lience plate seal leaks and rear lights are not protected enough so they get chips and leak mosture into them. The interior after only 5 years has started to fall apart, and dash board buttons have scrathed off the name of the item. Fuel mileage could be better only 13-15 mpg.
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Still great - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By darren - August 5 - 10:49 pmGreat power, ride, fuel economy better than expected, all the safety features, the quality is awsome! Better than any Toyota Ive ever owned. Will buy my wife an 09
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GMs Finest Product - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Blazzing - July 30 - 12:44 amI have been driving Chevys for my entire life. My family has always owned Chevys, as does my wifes. This vehicle by far out does any of the previous Chevy models. Yes, the interior is the Chevy basics, but the comfort level cant be matched. The seat feels like youre sitting in a recliner everytime you drive.
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it has problems - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By tracy - July 28 - 2:00 ami brought a 2002 trailblazer brand new after having it for a month i started having electrical problems with it .it all started with tail lights blowing out and then the problem started to get worse where all running lights,brake lights and headlights went out.after bring it back to dealership 24 times within a 5 month period i filed under the lemon law and won but after paying over 30,000 for it and was only able to drive it part time because it was always back at dealer i was never able to really enjoy it they told me they know it has problems but they wont recall nothing on it because it will cost them to much money to fix the problems
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great vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By sandy martin - July 28 - 2:00 amdrives like a car, ample power, great in the snow
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I love my new Trailblazer!!! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Patti D - July 28 - 2:00 amIve wanted to buy an SUV for the past 5 years and I finally found one that I absolutely love. I have a 2003 Trailblazer LT (4wd, 4 door). I purchased it in 8/03 and so far I have approximately 3700 miles on it. We have had a rough winter on Long Island so far this year and I felt very safe driving my SUV in the snow. Its got a great ride and is very comfortable. Ive always owned small to mid-sized cars. Ill probably never buy a car again!
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Expected More - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By lou - July 21 - 10:30 pmNot a bad ride but I find myself "strapped" in and confined inside the driver seat. Theres no space to put anything inside. Its a lower ride than the Explorer. I havent had to use 4 wheel drive yet. The sound system is excellent. If you have kids or use it for carpooling - the back has its own climate controls, as does the passenger front.
